With the Orioles struggling through their first 37 games, attention is already turning toward the 2025 MLB Draft, offering fans a chance to look ahead rather than dwell on the current on-field issues. Although the draft is still over two months away, mock drafts are starting to roll out, giving early hints at potential picks.
Despite their poor performance so far this season, the Orioles’ first-round draft slot is based on last year’s postseason finish, so they’ll be picking 19th—not high enough to dream about elite prospects like Ethan Holliday, who is still seen as a potential No. 1 overall pick.
Marek Houston, SS, Wake Forest
MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis has the Orioles selecting Houston, a 6’3″ right-handed shortstop, in his latest mock draft. Houston is ranked 12th overall by Pipeline, making him a potential steal at No. 19. He’s praised for his speed, arm strength, and smooth defensive skills. Even if his bat doesn’t fully translate, his versatility could make him valuable around the field. His college stats this season are impressive: .346/.457/.575 with 10 homers.
Gavin Kilen, SS, Tennessee
Keith Law of The Athletic sees Kilen as a natural fit for the Orioles in his mock draft. A left-handed hitter with standout batted-ball metrics, Kilen is batting .389/.476/.777 with 23 walks and only 14 strikeouts. Law notes the Orioles haven’t been linked to pitching, particularly not high school arms. However, Kilen may not make it to pick #19—MLB Pipeline projects him going one spot earlier at #18.
Additional Picks at #30 and #31
The Orioles also hold picks #30 and #31, compensation for losing Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander. While current mocks haven’t extended that far yet, an earlier Baseball America mock mentioned two potential targets:
- Brandon Compton, OF, Arizona State – A lefty power hitter who fits Baltimore’s preferences, though concerns about his on-base skills and limited defensive profile could make him available in this range.
- Ike Irish, C, Auburn – A strong hitter (.340/.455/.661 in SEC play) who may not stick at catcher but could be picked earlier due to his offensive upside; Pipeline has him going 21st to Houston.
There’s still plenty of time for the draft landscape to shift before July, and fans can only hope the Orioles improve enough by 2026 to be picking much later in the first round. For now, they’re among the league’s worst, entering the weekend with the fourth-worst record in MLB.
